Guide to the Best Bars in Topeka, KS for any Vibe
The Wheel Barrel - Bar & Restaurant
The Wheel Barrel is a laid-back rustic restaurant and bar that specializes in gourmet grilled cheese and enormous fluffy pretzels. They have a chill atmosphere and an awesome outdoor lounge. The bar itself features a unique design made of shiny pennies covered with a clear acrylic top where drinks are served, or you can grab a table with friends for a truly delicious meal of sandwiches, soups, and tasty appetizers.
The Wheel Barrel opened in 2015 and has quickly become one of the most popular spots for lunch, dinner, and drinks in town.
The Celtic Fox - Irish Pub
If you're craving the coziness of an Irish Pub, you'll love The Celtic Fox. The bar is located in a historic downtown building, all dark wood and exposed brick like a traditional Irish Pub should be. It's located right across the street from the Statehouse, and it has a spectacular view of that glorious building from the patio tables.
The Celtic Fox is famous for its fish & chips, along with other Irish comfort food classics like shepherd's pie, bangers & mash, and slow-cooked beef Reuben sandwiches. But the menu also features a modern fusion of dishes like burgers, wings, nachos, loaded fries, quesadillas, and Taco Thursday.
From the view to the great vibe, it's no wonder The Celtic Fox is one of the most popular bars in town.
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant - Brewpub and Speakeasy
The Blind Tiger is a unique brewery with a wonderful atmosphere. The raw wood beam style, low ceilings, and fairy lights overhead make it feel like a comfortable speakeasy inside. This is entirely intentional, there's a story:
During the prohibition, speakeasy restaurants used to place stuffed tigers to announce that alcohol might be on the unofficial menu after hours. In the southern dialect, a "tiger" also became known as a roaring tiger, and a "blind tiger" represented a party the authorities didn't know about.
The vibe is warm and energetic and their local brews are amazing. No one who visits the Blind Tiger can stop raving about the quality of the brews or the food, which is always perfectly cooked and comes in big, affordable portions, so there's plenty to take home.
You're sure to have a wonderful time whether you sit at the bar or grab a table with friends, and every review is glowing. Be sure to ask your bartender or server for recommendations on the latest flavors and popular dishes to try.
Abigail's Grill & Bar - Bar & Pool Hall
Another local hit is Abigail's Grill & Bar. It's a laid-back, low-key place with a pool hall where locals come to drink and shoot a few games. Abigail's has everything a local bar should. Sports on the TVs, neon beer signs, and a pretty good dinner menu. Like most of the bars in Topeka, it's also a hit restaurant. In addition to the fried classics like wings and onion rings, they also do an amazing country fried chicken, Salisbury steak, and open-face roast beef or turkey smothered in gravy.
When you want a bar that feels like home, it's Abigail's. This laid-back joint is never empty and is a great place to kick back with a beer after your day's work is done.
Axe & Ale - Axe Throwing and Bar
Did you want to throw axes while drinking with friends? As inadvisable as that sounds, there's a place for it in Topeka called the Ax & Ale. The space is simple, with square tables decorated primarily by plywood axe-throwing ranges. The atmosphere is fun, as you might imagine, but there's not much more to it other than beer and axes. So if that's your thing, go for it.
Salut Wine and Cocktail Lounge - Wine Bar and Speakeasy
Are you looking for a classy bar where you can sip wine and exquisite cocktails in a beautiful setting? If so, spend an evening at the Salut Wine & Cocktail Lounge. Salut is Topeka's best wine bar, with renowned vintages, elegantly comfortable seating, and a quiet atmosphere in which to savor every sip.
Delightfully, Salut is another speakeasy-themed establishment with an entirely different style. They glorify the refined artistry of secret jazz-filled escapes from the oppressive world outside the gently lit halls. In their own words, Salut blends "vintage charm with contemporary flair, providing a unique and immersive experience for all" in "The Principal's Office," an even more private location accessed through hidden doors.
The secret passcode requires you to tell the bartender that you're here to "serve your detention" and share whatever naughty thing you did to deserve access to the vintage speakeasy part of the venue. The menu features old-school-themed cocktails and exquisite light appetizers.
Victoria's - Local Bar and Outdoor Stage
Victoria's is a chill open-air bar. It's small, relaxed, and popular with the locals. The front wall opens up to the yard, facing an outdoor stage opposite the bar with plenty of casual seating in between. We love the funny signs, the hand-written memorials, and the friendly crowd. It can get a little rambunctious, but it's the perfect place for a drink and an outdoor concert.
Jerimiah Bullfrogs - Sports Bar & Grill
If you're looking for a very sporty sports bar, the answer is Jerimiah Bullfrogs. The bullfrog wears a jersey, the bar is made of baseball cards under the clear top, and there are literally dozens of TVs playing different games that you can see from every table, in every direction.
The atmosphere is dark and comfy aside from the TVs and neon beer signs (must-haves for any sports bar), but we especially love the Budweiser blimp hanging from the ceiling. Come on any game day and cheer on your favorite teams with fellow fans and plenty of TVs so everyone can catch their game.
The Perfect End to a Day
No matter which great place you consider the best bar in Topeka, the perfect end to your night is at home. You can find welcoming townhomes in Topeka to make the home base after your Topeka adventures at Mariposa Townhomes. Contact us to explore the beautiful community, floorplans, and available homes, or ask for more cool local tips.